A new world record was set after 53 red cards were shown during an under-20s semifinal in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The match between Mamoré and Uberlândia descended into chaos in the second half after Mamoré took a 3-1 lead. Referee Fernando Patrick Drosghic Modesto sent off 40 players and eight staff during a mass brawl, with three additional red cards shown earlier in the game.
Two Uberlândia board members were also dismissed, bringing the total to 53. The previous Guinness World Record was 36, set in an Argentinian fifth-division match in 2011. The brawl allegedly began when Mamoré's Davi taunted the opposition bench during goal celebrations, prompting Uberlândia goalkeeping coach Paulo Sérgio Dias Dos Santos to confront him on the pitch.
The referee reported receiving death threats and other violence threats, leading to a police report. The match was halted for 40 minutes and eventually abandoned. Post-match allegations include Uberlândia officials damaging Mamoré equipment and Mamoré players vandalising the home dressing room.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing